Protestors on site calling for the closing of Bowmanville Zoo in light of controversial video

Many gathered with signboards out front of the venue on Monday as both PETA & Ontario Captive Animal Watch are looking to have the Zoo shut down which would end animal shows and rentals provided for parties and film shoots.

The People for the Ethical treatment of animals released a video last week which showed the zoo’s owner striking a Siberian tiger named “Uno” with a whip and swearing angrily.

Michael Hackenberger, owner of the Bomanville Zoo, has denied that he was striking the animal during training. He responded with his own video days later claiming PETA footage took his actions out of context, and that he was hitting the ground not the animal.

A former employee from the zoo on The Jeff McArthur show December 23rd and said from what she saw, generally the animals were treated well.

“This was a rare glimpse of what might actually be happening behind closed doors.” said former groundskeeper Julia VanderLoot

The Bowmanville Zoo is a member of the Ontario SPCA and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, however both organizations are reviewing the video.